Anaheim Ducks defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin, a Russian player, spoke about his NHL journey in an interview with Sports Express, recounting a remarkable stretch where he continued to compete despite a broken leg.
During a game in Edmonton, he was struck by a puck in the second period. He returned to the bench, hoping the discomfort would subside, and pressed on to finish the match. Although the initial X-ray did not reveal a fracture, pain persisted, and he chose to keep playing, driven by the thin line between courage and concern for his team.
That resolve carried him into the next few games, three or four in a row, as he pushed through an ever-present ache. He recalls the moment when the pain crossed a threshold and he realized skating with such injury was no longer feasible. Every stride and push-off sent a sharp reminder that the leg would not cooperate, and he understood that continuing might risk greater damage. Doctors later directed a second examination, which confirmed a broken leg, a revelation that reframed the entire ordeal for the player and his support team.
Lyubushkin joined Anaheim in August 2023 and has since showcased his defensive versatility in the NHL. His professional path also includes stints with the Buffalo Sabres, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Arizona Coyotes, where he contributed in various defensive roles and contributed to team depth on the blue line. The 29-year-old has appeared in 46 games this season, tallying four assists as he helped his club navigate a demanding schedule, including a mid-season push to secure a stronger standing in the Western Conference standings. Anaheim currently sits in the 14th spot in the conference with 34 points through 48 games, a situation that reflects the competitive nature of the league and the continuous effort required from every skater on the roster. The Ducks are preparing for their next matchup against Minnesota, scheduled for January 28, with a 5:00 p.m. Moscow time start, a reminder of the global reach and diverse fan base of the NHL that year after year draws attention across continents. It is a point of pride for players to show resilience and commitment, even when injuries test their limits, and Lyubushkin’s experience stands as a testament to the physical demands of professional hockey and the marathon-like pace of a long season.
In other league news, a late-season performance by a different star, Alexander Ovechkin, did not suffice to prevent a loss for Washington in a recent NHL contest, underscoring how even elite players face tough nights and how outcomes hinge on a multitude of factors across a full 60-minute game. The broader takeaway from these narratives remains clear: the NHL demands not only skill and strategy but also the mental fortitude to endure setbacks and the level-headed approach to recovery and return to peak form. The league’s calendar is a constant test of durability, where each game offers lessons in resilience, preparation, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence among players, coaches, and medical staffs alike. This perspective helps fans understand the realities behind the box score and the long arc of a season for a team like Anaheim, where every player’s health, availability, and performance contribute to the overall trajectory of the franchise.”